Monroe County CES

Title:

Horticulture Production

MAP:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Agents Involved:

Kevin Lyons

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beekeeping

Situation:

There is renewed interest among many residents in producing or purchasing their food locally. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly contributed to the increase in home gardening and buying local. people want to know where their food comes from, who is producing it, and that it is safe. The need for increased educational efforts in home horticulture production is very apparent.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Families will become more sustainable by producing more of their own food

High tunnels production will increase the quality and quantity of local foods available

There will be an increase in the amount of locally produced honey

Consumers will improve their overall health

Producers will increase their profitability

Intermediate Outcomes:

There will be an increase in the number of high tunnels constructed

More people will develop a home garden 

Clientele will install beehives 

More local and fresh foods will be consumed

Initial Outcomes:

Increased knowledge about organic foods

Increase clientele home gardening skills

Increase awareness and knowledge about beekeeping

Increase high tunnel production skills

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase in skills learned about gardening and beekeeping

Indicator: Attendance at educational programs

Method: Attendance records

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: The number of home gardens and beehives will increase

Indicator: Reports from clients

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Increase in the number of high tunnels; home gardens; and beehives

Indicator: Reports from producers

Method:Surveys

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Gardening Enthusiasts

Project or Activity: Home vegetable gardening classes

Content or Curriculum: UK gardening resources and publications

Inputs: Kevin Lyons; Master Gardeners

Date: Winter sessions

Audience: Potential high tunnel producers

Project or Activity: Field day programs and hands-on events at a high tunnel

Content or Curriculum: UK materials; NRCS materials

Inputs: Kevin Lyons; UK specialists

Date: Spring 2021

Audience: Potential beekeepers

Project or Activity: Basic beekeeping classes

Content or Curriculum: UK materials

Inputs: Kevin Lyons; Greg Drake

Date: Winter 2022